Planning Fair Held To Help Citizens Navigate Development Requirements
The Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development’s Town and Country Planning Division hosted a fair on Wednesday to help educate the public about navigating planning permissions, building regulations and land development.
Speaking during the opening ceremony for the Town and Country Planning Division Planning Fair on Wednesday, Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development, Dr Kennedy Swaratsingh, said further amendments to the Public Health Bill will have a significant impact on the country’s building policies.
« In fact, recently in both Houses of Parliament we amended the CMOH to remove the responsibility for building and land so that they focus on their public health obligations as opposed to the critical path of planning, construction planning permitting process. Again, that was done under the advice of all of you, and I want to thank you for giving us that advice. And again, we as a government must listen to the professionals and take action as required. »
As such, according to the Minister, the fair gives members of the public the opportunity to interact with municipalities, government agencies and utilities to navigate the process.
« Citizens have the right to understand the rules, processes and considerations that inform planning decisions. And we as the agencies also have a role to play in ensuring they are better equipped to make informed decisions themselves. When government agencies communicate effectively with the public and with each other, we build greater confidence in our institutions and improve the quality of the services we provide. »
The Town and Country Planning Division Planning Fair 2026 was held in observance of World Urbanisation Day under the theme « Creating Living Communities ».
